Another Winning Weekend Underway

Forming a special affinity with the course at Riccarton, Madame Jamai (4 m Minstrel Court - Palais Jamai, by Grand Lodge) extended her record to three wins from four starts with a dominant display in the Rating 75 1200 metres on Friday 19 February.

Having already snared two $30,000 races during cup week over the past two seasons, on the premier track in the South Island, Madame Jamai had been inconvenienced on rain-affected footing last time out at Ashburton.

Appearing on the job in her prelim, Madame Jamai travelled boldly outside the leader and was never threatened after making play at the foot of the straight.

Confidently backed to start favourite ($3.20 & $1.40), Madame Jamai ran the 1200 metres in a slick time of 1:08.3, last 600m in 33.4, and won by three-quarters of a length.

The win was also a boost for jockey Matt Cameron, who was back in winning action at just his second ride after taking a nasty tumble only five days earlier at Matamata.

A daughter of Willow Glen stallion Minstrel Court (Danehill Dancer), who finished third to stable-mate Tell A Tale (Tale of the Cat) and Il Quello Veloce (Captain Rio) in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton, Madame Jamai provided the 191st win for owners and breeders Barry & Deirdre Neville-White.

“She's won four races now,” said Barry Neville-White. “Matt had her under a good hold and once over the crossing he let her head go and she likes that straight running and may not like right-handed tracks.

“The track was shifty at Ashburton, and although she's not a big mare she's got a long stride and needs good ground. And there's some good races coming up at Riccarton,” said Neville-White.

Madame Jamai provided Cameron with his 78th win this season to be second in the jockey premiership and the 61st for leading trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards.

“We made a plan to send her south after her Wellington run, and she has been tripped up by a couple of wet tracks, but we know she really enjoys Riccarton and loves firm ground,” said Richards.

“We were quietly confident going into the race and Richard Didham said her work had been very good, so thanks to them (Didhams) for looking after her and it's great to get another win for Barry & Deirdre.  She is a filly that can still work through the grades, hopefully, before the rain arrives and we were very happy with the win.

“It was also great to see Matt Cameron bounce back with a win after a nasty fall at Matamata, and no doubt that will give him a confidence builder ahead of riding Hasselhoof on Saturday in Sydney” added Richards.

Madame Jamai was strapped by Richard Didham.

Photo credits - www.raceimages.net.nz